ANGLING NOTES:MORE THAN 43,000 coarse fish were found in the Grand Canal, near Vicarstown in Co Laois, during a recent relocation project by staff from the Central Fisheries Board (CFB) and Waterways Ireland. The teams were moving fish to allow essential dredging repair work.
Electro-fishing techniques ensured the fish were safely removed and relocated to areas within the same section of canal. The project took over four days to complete due to the enormous volume of fish involved.
The catch comprised mainly roach but also large numbers of bream, roach/bream hybrids, perch and one specimen carp. One haul brought in more than 25,000 fish in a short 350m stretch of the canal.
Paul McLoone, CFB research officer, said: “Even though I have been doing this job for several years I am still amazed at the quantity and quality of fish. The presence of stocks like this should serve to encourage tourist and Irish anglers to fish and enjoy this great recreation amenity”.
A ceremony to mark the fishing season start was held at Baurisheen on the shores of Lough Corrib, recently. Fr Jimmy Walsh performed the rite of blessing the lake and boats with water blessed in Bartly McGauley’s house. Prayers for a good year’s fishing were said.
Opening day on Lough Corrib last Sunday saw a large number of anglers out on the lake, with the nicest weather for opening day in 20 years, according to fisheries inspector Kevin Crowley. Most fish caught fell to trolling methods with some good catches also taken on fly.
In the Greenfields area, Jimmy Purcell and his two sons landed three trout, including fish of 2.7kg and 1.5kg. Gerry Coughlan from Ennis had a trout of 0.8kg on fly, while Nick Neilson and Barry Smyth had two for 1.4kg, also on fly.
Fishing around Oughterard was described as good, with most boats coming across a few fish. Collinamuck Angling Club held a competition on opening day with 26 anglers landing 15 trout. The competition was won by John and Frank Butler from Rosscahill with three fish for 5.7kg.
Over the last few days, Oliver McCormack from Dublin fished from Basil Shields Angling Centre and landed three for 4.5kg on fly. Paul Moran fished out of Lal Faherty’s Lakelands Centre and had a nice trout of 1.1kg on fly.
Anglers are reminded that a four-fish bag limit now applies including a minimum 13-inch size limit. It is also prohibited to take more than one fish over 4.5kg in weight. There are also restrictions on the number of rods permitted by individual anglers. Full details are available at www.wrfb.ie
A reminder to contact Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel in Recess, Co Galway, for free river fishing to hotel guests from mid-March until May 1st. Fishery manager Colin Folan will also host a fly-fishing school on March 28th/29th with top casting instructor Russell Whiteman in attendance (www.guided- flyfishing.com).
The course will deal with single- and double-handed casting, fly-tying and a half-day guided fishing outing. An all-in cost of €650 includes meals and accommodation commencing Friday evening. Contact 086-8679459 or inagh@iol.ie
Proceeds from a fly-fishing competition hosted by Lough Lene Anglers during their 50th anniversary celebrations last year netted €2,010 towards the North Westmeath Hospice. The cheque was presented to Ann Cassidy, representing the hospice, by Derek King at the club’s recent agm.
This year, the chairman’s competition will be held on Sunday, September 27th, with proceeds going to the Irish Guide Dogs Association.
The Loughs Agency in Northern Ireland is hosting its Annual Angling Fair on the banks of the River Faughan at the YMCA Playing Fields, Drumahoe, Derry on the weekend of March 7th/8th. Admission is free and the event will offer an unique opportunity to watch spey-casting demonstrations by Charles Jardine, Hywel Morgan and Glenda Powell.
Further details available from Lionel Knobbs. Contact +44(0)2871342100 and anglingfair@loughs-agency.org
*angling@irishtimes.com